A real review would not include other products
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This hammock is extremely comfortable.
Agreed
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What I like:
Comfort, Comfort, Comfort, Weather Shield, bug net (removable).
Weather Shield, bug net is not removable but storable at the foot end in a pocket provided.
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What I don't like:
tarp, ropes and drip rings
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Comfort:
This hammock is a Cadillac when it comes to comfort. For me it is top of the line in comfort. What more can I say. I can easily sleep on my side too.
Agreed
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Tarp:
Get real, the tarp is the size of a Kleenex. It does not really protect the bottom of the hammock from cross wind/rain. I have tested it in minimal rain and kept dry, but fear using it in a bad storm. If you have a down under quilt (UQ) I would not use this tarp in the rain for fear the UQ will get soaked. I prefer small tarps, but this one doesn't seem to look like it would work very well. Cross winds/rain could be a serious issue.
I ordered the Vertex as an up size, and may have been the first person to do so,
as it was not available as a choice on there website until my request.
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I really do like the system used to keep the bug net suspended. It works very well.
Agreed
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Weather Shield:
This is the best feature on the hammock as far as I am concerned. I absolutely love it. It helps keep you warm, and kees the rain out. However, it is only water resistant, not water proof.
Mostly Agreed: Clark-website does not say water proof, only
"The WeatherShield is most useful to those who anticipate cold weather (50° F / 10° C or below). "
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Ropes:
Terrible, I woke up on the ground every time I used them because they stretch so much.
I have found that I am close to the ground never been on it
Many things stretch and bend and as I am laying in
Very few things in the world will not stretch some . . .
. . . I have learned to hang it so the result is acceptable.
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Drip Rings:
Not bad, but can easily get lost because they are not permanently attached.
Each time I pack up my rig, I run the rings down the rope towards the hammock,
then holding the rope/ring in my palm,
rap the rest around my hand,
the foot end rope is then placed inside the hammock foot end and rolled some
and stuffed into the bag, and when the head end is in the bag,
I release the head-end rope from the tree, slide the ring towards the hammock,
and repeat the rap procedure so I have a coil
and place in the hammock stuff bag.
Haven't lost a ring yet.
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Bottom Pockets:
They don't work very for keeping warm. I have tried many different items. However, I tried some Climashield xp and it seems to work pretty well. I am having some down mini-under-quits made to stuff int he pockets. We'll so how they work. I'll write another review.
I like the pockets except in the summer when they do make it to warm
and that is where the Clark Tropical hammock would be good no pockets.
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The pockets make it awkward for putting an under quilt on the hammock. I need to do more experimenting to see if the pockets are worth using for keeping warm.
So far I like the Z-Liners and will also make some extra pads w/down.
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Quality:
I give this hammock a high mark for craftsmanship and quality. It is very well construced, very durable and looks great.
Agreed
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Overall:
I give this hammock high marks, however I would like to see some mods. Ditch the bottom pockets, replace the ropes and drip rings with better quality ones. I can live with the pockets, but have to figure out the best way to use them to keep warm. I will keep trying and post all my findings.
I don't Agreed
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If your in the market for a hammock I would consider the Clark. However, I find the price to be much too high when comparing to their competitors. The Claytor JH is 1/2 the price and is just as comfortable. It is just as good of a quality too. However, the Claytor lacks the features of the Clark. If you like features, and have the cash, go for the Clark.
I spent 2 months researching all hammocks and
I feel the money is well spent and well worth it for the Clark products
I use a NX150 and I'm extremely happy.
I also have purchased the The Clark Tropical 2 and the TX-200
and have used them as well,
and they get my full endorsment.